EcoTech rolls out ‘green float’ for St. Patrick’s Day parade

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AURORA, Colo. -- Students at the nation’s top "green school" are putting the finishing touches on their Green Recycle Float just in time for the big St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday.

“We just thought about how much material for recycling we could collect at the parade,” said Chris Stevens. “We don’t have any specific goals, but we are excited so many students—150—signed up to march in the annual parade through LoDo.”

The school, EcoTech Institute, is the number one school for people learning about solar, wind and turbines.

More than 500 students attend the Aurora campus and in the four years since they’ve been open, student placement rates have hovered near the 90 percent mark.

This school is partnered with the industry to correctly prepare students—who are a bit older than students at most colleges—for the jobs that businesses say they need.

While people come from all over the U.S. to attend, many from the metro area are taking advantage of the training. Many of the students are former military and they say the G.I. Bill is helping them get through the two-year school.

“I served in the Marines,” said Dave Read. “I can’t believe I am on the cutting edge of technology and learning the skills I will need to make my way into the new, green world ahead.”

Like Read, Wyman Burns, a former solider in the Army says, “I am excited to be learning things about the industry which will help me make a smooth transition into the real world.”

If you are going to the Parade in Denver, look for the super green float and toss your recycling their way.